With just two days to go until the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Ivory Coast, anticipation has reached a fever pitch.
AFCON 2023 not only promises intense matches and fierce rivalries but will also give superstars who have underperformed internationally despite club success a chance at redemption.
In this article, we’ll discuss the redemption arcs available to these players as well as the best odds and bouses from BetKing, one of the best betting platforms i20n the country
Mohammed Salah (Egypt)
Our AFCON redemption story begins with Mohammed Salah, who’s arguably Africa’s greatest player of all time and one of the best players in the world.
Salah’s legendary career includes 3 Premier League golden boots, 2 Premier League POTY awards, 2 CAF POTY awards and with 10 club titles (and counting). On the international scene, he is the second-highest goal scorer for Egypt with 53 goals, 16 behind Hossam Hassan.
However, despite these achievements, the 31-year-old has been unable to guide his nation to AFCON glory in three attempts. He’s faced setbacks twice at the final stage. First, against Cameroon in 2017 and then again to Senegal on penalties five years later. Sandwiched by those final losses is a 2019 early exit in the round of 16.
This year’s edition presents the Egyptian captain with yet another opportunity to lead the Pharaohs to AFCON glory and a record 8th title for Egypt. Heading into the tournament, the Liverpool marksman is in fine form, having been involved in 26 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season.
Egypt will face Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique in Group B.
Get the best odds for Salah to lead Egypt to AFCON 2023 glory with BetKing @ 10.00
The Ayew Brothers (Ghana)
Andre and Jordan Ayew are brothers who play for the Ghanaian national team. They’re also sons to legendary African footballer, Abedi Ayew, a.k.a Abedi Pele.
Abedi captained the last Ghanaian team to AFCON glory 41 years ago and had a very successful career with Olympique Marseille between 1988-1993. Naturally (perhaps, unfairly too), both players are judged by the lofty standards set by their father for much of their careers.
While the Ayew brothers have lifted some silverware with Olympique Marseille, national level is where they’ve failed to set the world alight, unlike their legendary father.
The good news? helped by accomplished players such as Inaki Williams and Muhammad Kudus, the Ayew brothers have a legitimate chance to emulate their father and win an AFCON trophy with Ghana at AFCON 2023.
If you believe Ghana can win it all, BetKing has them valued at 15.00 to win AFCON 2023.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Victor Osimhen is a player that needs no introduction, having been named the 2023 CAF African Player of Year and the 2023 Italian Footballers Association player of the year. He also finished 8th on the Balon D’or award rankings for 2023.
The Nigerian striker led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, becoming the first African to win the Capocannoniere after scoring 26 league goals in 32 games. He also scored five goals in six Champions League games last campaign to lead the Italian club to a quarterfinal finish.
In the 2022/23 season, the Super Eagles striker produced 36 goal contributions (31 goals & 5 assists) in 39 games. Naturally, this made the 25-year-old one of the deadliest and most sought-after strikers in world football.
In 2021, Osimhen scored the joint most goals (5) in the AFCON qualifiers but missed out on the competition after he suffered a cheekbone injury weeks before the competition began. His absence ended up costing Nigeria as the West African nation crashed out in the round-16 following a narrow 1-0 loss to Tunisia.
Heading into Ivory Coast, Osimhen finished as the top scorer in the qualifying phase with 10 goals, totalling 15 goals in 12 qualifier games. However, despite all these achievements, he is yet to show his prowess in a proper competition for Nigeria.
This year’s AFCON presents Osimhen his first real test in a proper competition and a chance to etch his name in African football history. If he can replicate last season’s form in this year’s competition, Nigeria can go all the way and win their fourth AFCON title.
BetKing offers punters 10x returns for Nigeria to win AFCON 2023.
Conclusion
Keen eyes will be on these players as they try to lead their respective nations to AFCON glory in Ivory Coast.
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